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Ten-hour Shifts and Ten-hour Shift Schedules

Ten-hour shifts and 10-hour shift schedules are ranked better by shift workers than every other shift length. 10-hour shifts allow the workforce to work four days each week and have three days off (often a three-day weekend) without the need to work longer shifts like 12-hour shifts. The trade-off between the 10-hour day and the extra day off each week is often viewed as a net gain for the workers on the schedule.

There are numerous 10-hour shift patterns. Choosing the right one for your operations depends upon your needs and the preferences of your workforce. The following are just a couple of the options available:

5-day coverage, single shift, rotating days off

The example below uses five employees to cover 5 days a week. Each day will have 4 of the 5 employees come in to work. Each employee starts in a different week. At the end of each week, everyone rotates to the next week in the cycle.

The example below uses three crews (A, B and C) to cover two shifts, six days a week. Crew A will always be on day shift. Crew B will always be on the evening shift. Crew C will rotate between the two shifts.

7-day coverage, one shift, rotating days off

The example below uses seven employees to cover 7 days a week. Each day will have 4 of the 7 employees come in to work. Each employee starts in a different week. At the end of each week, everyone rotates to the next week in the cycle.

10-hour considerations

Many shiftworkers would prefer to work 10-hour shifts if they had the opportunity. Unfortunately, the number of shiftwork operations that can effectively utilize a shift of this length is relatively small. Implementing a 10-hour schedule in the wrong environment can have a significant adverse impact on operations. To learn more about 10-hour shifts, click on the link below.

To see some excellent videos and read other information about 10-hour shifts, shift schedules in general, and shift schedule management, click here.